Cherished Memoirs 37

This series chronicles interesting experiences recounted by the devotees of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji. These articles are translations from the series, “Madhuramaana Mahaneeyar” that is published every month in Madhuramurali Tamil monthly magazine. The original article was written by Dr. Bhagyanathanji, Personal Secretary of Sri Swamiji.

Grace that Sweetens Memories!

Just like Sun gives out heat and light when it rises and moon exudes coolness as it rises, when Sadhus and Avatara Purushas come into this world, we see a flowering of spiritual awakening. For more than 20 years, Sri Swamiji has been constantly speaking of the greatness of our scriptures and Mahamantra in numerous places. And through his disciples who travel abroad to speak on the glories of the Divine Name and the Master, thousands of people from many countries have benefitted in many ways. More and more people become part of our satsang and Premika Varada Govinda’s family keeps growing!

It is in this manner that the couple, Sri Balaji and Smt. Sandhya, couple who lived in the US, came to satsang. They first attended our Atlanta Satsang back in 2013 through another satsang devotee Sri Narayanan from Atlanta. Since then, Nama Kirtan and thoughts of the Sadguru bloomed and the desire to have Sri Swamiji’s darshan intensified.

At that time, they chanced to visit Chennai for a family function. When Sandhya was in Chennai, Sri Swamiji’s darshan was on top of her mind and she came with her parents to Premika Bhavanam. At that time, Sandhya’s parents shared with Swamiji their worry of Sandhya not having a child, even though she had been married a few years. An embodiment of compassion that our Guru Maharaj is, blessed her that a child shall be born soon and gave her a fruit prasad.

The family of a married couple is complete only when they have children, especially for those in the satsang—when the offspring continues the parents’ kaimkaryam to the Lord. It is no surprise that Sri Balaji and Smt. Sandhya also desired that way.

Sri Swamiji’s simplicity, majesty, his soothing and caring look, compassionate words—these made Sandhya forget all her worries, she would say. A few days later, Sri Balaji also arrived from the US and they all attended the Vasanthotsav at Madhurapuri Ashram. After a few days, when Balaji came from the US, he, along with his family, participated in the Vasanthotsav that was conducted at Madhurapuri Ashram. The very darshan of the Divine Couple, their elaborate flower decorations which were different each day, the mellifluous kirtans led by Sri Swamiji—all of these completely stole their hearts.

Continuous Mahamantra Kirtan happens at our Thakurji’s sanctum at Madhurapuri Ashram. Prayers that have not been fulfilled for years, come true when one comes and chants in the sanctum. Premika Varadan never lets anyone go empty-handed! This is not a flowery statement; it is indeed the Lord’s assurance.

During Vasantotsav, they had Sri Swamiji’s darshan often and got to perform Nama Kirtan, Bhagavata Saptaham, Katha Shravanam and so on. With the Master’s blessings, they returned to Atlanta and continued to attend satsangs there. They would worship Guru Maharaj’s picture and perform Nama Kirtan regularly. Their faith continued to grow stronger. Sri Ramuji’s Bhagavatam and Krishna Jananam, Poornimaji’s Ramayana discourse—all happened at their home. In 2015, when Sri Ramuji visited Atlanta, Sri Swamiji had sent a reassuring word that they would certainly be blessed with a child.

In January this year, Sandhya’s medical checkup confirmed that she had conceived!

Recently, at Atlanta’s Hanuman Mandir, a Madhura Gitam Saptaham was conducted. Many devotees rendered Sri Swamiji’s Kirtans during this series of concerts. Smt. Sandhya also participated and sang.

Indeed, with Guru’s grace, memories are always sweet—something for all of us to understand!

Original Tamil article by Dr.Bhagyanathan, Madhuramurali May 2016 issue